Cooper Medical School of Rowan University set to open

CAMDEN — Cooper Medical School of Rowan University will hold a grand opening July 24 and welcome its charter class on Aug. 13.

“We move into the building in July, and we have our class of 50 set,” said Dr. Paul Katz, founding dean of CMSRU on Wednesday. “We have a really great group that matches our mission. We had 2,900 applicants and interviewed a little more than 300. We wanted to make sure we got the right 50 students, students who understand our school and what we’re about.”

Katz said 72 percent of the students are residents of New Jersey, 28 are women, 22 are men and 24 percent are underrepresented in medicine, which is twice the national average.

“Our mission has been diversity and inclusivity,” said Katz. “We also have a significant percentage of students who are disadvantaged. The typical metrics are comparable to all students admitted at MD-granting schools, so it’s a very competitive group. We also have a lot of students with interesting life experiences which will contribute to learning. A fair number of our students are not coming directly from college. Some are coming from other careers, others from graduate schools and others from a unique array of experiences.”

Katz said CMSRU did not have any applicants from the city of Camden, though he believes that will change for next year.

“College to medical school is a big jump,” said Katz. “You’re taught differently, and there are different expectations. When they walk into the medical school, they will be considered professionals and will be judged on what they do and how they act 24/7.”

During the orientation, Katz said CMSRU staff will talk to students about what it means to be a physician and the responsibility that comes with the position.

“Physicians have the ability to enter people’s lives in ways most occupations do not,” he said. “We expect them to understand their patients’ needs, that they come from many different places and that they must be understood beyond the nature of their illness.”

Katz said he and the staff have emphasized, and will continue to emphasize, to the students that there will only be one charter class.

“They have a responsibility to whoever comes after them,” he said. “They’re creating standards, an environment and traditions that will define this school. They have the opportunity and the responsibility to do that, to be part of the legacy to every class that follows.”

Katz said the medical school building is right on target, and only the finishing touches are being added at this point.

“We’re very excited,” he said. “This is a big deal for Camden and for South Jersey. It’s the first new medical school in the state in 35 years, and the first MD-granting school in South Jersey. We’re ready.”